Tampa Hotels

[bsharynu]

We are arriving in Tampa the day before our cruise. What are some good hotel options nearby? What are some hotels we might want to avoid?

[JohninDC]

Downtown Marriott Waterside is the closest to the port, but a little pricey. :eek:

For cruise packages that include free airport and port shuttles, check out these hotels located in the Rocky Point area: Holiday Inn, Tahitian Inn, Hampton Inn and Chase Suites.

The Westshore area near the TPA airport has many chain hotels with free airport shuttles as well as nearby dining and shopping options; a taxi from TPA to the port is a flat rate of $25+tip. ;)

Good luck! :)

[aria48]

I really like the Chase Suites when I stayed there a few years ago. Very similar to a Residence Inn.

[FlaGrl4Evr]

Areas to avoid: The stadium area- North Dale Mabry Hwy- seedy toppless bars mixed in amoung the hotels plus stadium traffic if there is an event going on.

 

And the Fairgrounds area. right off of the interstate, some seedy hotels near some newer ones. There is the Hard Rock Casino and hotel but again, not the best area.

 

 

Rocky Point hotels will be on the bay and have a decent view but other that using the hotel shuttle service, not a lot of shops to pick up last minute items. There is a Bahama Breeze restaurant within walking distance of the hotels. Really decent cruise pkgs at the Holiday Inn, Hampton and Chase Rocky Point.

 

Westshore hotels, near shopping and malls, some restaurants.

 

Downtown, nearer to the port but will not find airport shuttles. Very few with cruise pkgs either.

 

 

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[jjjct]

Areas to avoid: The stadium area- North Dale Mabry Hwy- seedy toppless bars mixed in amoung the hotels plus stadium traffic if there is an event going on.

 

And the Fairgrounds area. right off of the interstate, some seedy hotels near some newer ones. There is the Hard Rock Casino and hotel but again, not the best area.

 

 

Rocky Point hotels will be on the bay and have a decent view but other that using the hotel shuttle service, not a lot of shops to pick up last minute items. There is a Bahama Breeze restaurant within walking distance of the hotels. Really decent cruise pkgs at the Holiday Inn, Hampton and Chase Rocky Point.

 

Westshore hotels, near shopping and malls, some restaurants.

 

Downtown, nearer to the port but will not find airport shuttles. Very few with cruise pkgs either.

 

 

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Thanks for the info. Could you tell me if the Westshore or Downtown hotels are within walking distance to shopping and restaurants. We will need a CVS type store to get sunscreen.

[JohninDC]

Thanks for the info. Could you tell me if the Westshore or Downtown hotels are within walking distance to shopping and restaurants. We will need a CVS type store to get sunscreen.

 

Westshore hotels should be close to International Mall for all of your shopping and dining needs. Good luck! :)

[FlaGrl4Evr]

Yup, The Westshore area will give you more availability to shopping and restaurants. The LaQuinta Tampa Airport is directly across from the International Mall and there is a nice Embassey Suites Westshore that is within walking distance of a Walgreens and restaurants. Many more too.

 

 

 

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[bsharynu]

I think we are going to book the Sheraton Riverwalk. It is downtown, so close to the port. (I have heard that it is a nice hotel. The Hyatt REgency is right there too). We are going to have our car and would prefer to park at the port or use Capital Parking so we can just drive home after the cruise and not wait for a hotel shuttle to take us back to the hotel and then on our way home.

[FlaGrl4Evr]

I think we are going to book the Sheraton Riverwalk. It is downtown, so close to the port. (I have heard that it is a nice hotel. The Hyatt REgency is right there too). We are going to have our car and would prefer to park at the port or use Capital Parking so we can just drive home after the cruise and not wait for a hotel shuttle to take us back to the hotel and then on our way home.

 

 

Both hotels are nice, so you can't go wrong. Here is a link to the downtown hotels and a map.

 

www.downtowntampahotels.com

 

Have a great cruise.

:)

 

 

 

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[mizzoufinal4]

We stayed at the Embasy suites downtown last year and loved it so much that we are staying there again this year before our cruise. It is a little pricie but you get so much! First you get a nice view of the port (if you request it). Second you get free happy hour from 5-7 which includes mixed drinks and snacks. Third you get hot breakfast the next morning including made to order omlettes. Lastly you have a trolly stop right in front of the hotel which for $5 per person you can take it back and forth all day long. you can take it to channelside for luch(which is within walking distance if you want and it litterally right next to the port) or you can take it to ybor for dinner(which is what we did) So while you may pay a little more for this hotel everything you get and where you are located is awsome!

Also, if you wanted to walk to the port the next morning you could, or take the trolly, or it is a quick $5 taxi ride that drops you off right at the front door of the pier!

[rjrice1]

I booked the Quality Inn at the fairgrounds.. but after reading OP I decide to call the Tampa Police dept to see what they recommend. (who would know better?) Told me NO for the Quality Inn.. high crime rate (newer hotel) very seedy area. Mention Chase Suites--- West Shore area --much better choice in that area. Told us to stay away from the fairground area.

As for off site parking.. was told premier parking was okay.

Cathy